George Harris
May 01, 2024 - 02:30

Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell favored to be Lakers coach if Darvin Ham is fired

Boston Celtics could lose assistant coach Sam Cassell this offseason. His departure could impact team dynamics and future success.

On May 1, 2023, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, the Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sam Cassell was seen reacting to a game. The Boston Celtics may be facing a significant loss on their coaching staff in the upcoming offseason.

Darvin Ham is likely to be out as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. After a challenging second season with the team, which ended with a five-game defeat to the Denver Nuggets, the former NBA player turned coach is facing uncertainty about his future.

In a recent article by The Athletic's Shams Carania, it was suggested that Darvin Ham's position as head coach is in jeopardy, and it is unlikely that he will return to lead the team next season. With LeBron James potentially becoming a free agent, the Lakers are in a critical position heading into the offseason.

Many believe that changes to the roster and bringing in a new coach could be beneficial for the team. The current favorite to replace Darvin Ham is Lakers assistant Phil Handy, who has a strong basketball background and has been with the team since 2019.

Other potential candidates for the head coaching position include former Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard, longtime NBA forward Juwan Howard, and Atlanta Hawks head coach Quinn Snyder. Sam Cassell, an assistant with the Boston Celtics, is also in the running for the position.

Despite guiding the Boston Celtics to an impressive 64 wins and the top record in the NBA, head coach Joe Mazzulla is facing scrutiny for his coaching decisions. Questions have been raised about his play design, clock management, and his ability to connect with modern players.

The Celtics have made efforts to support Mazzulla by bringing in experienced assistant coaches like Charles Lee and Amile Jefferson. Sam Cassell, a former NBA player and championship-winning coach, is also part of the coaching staff and could be a logical choice to replace Mazzulla if needed.

It would be unwise for the Celtics to let Cassell go to another team, especially a rival team like the Lakers. Cassell's ability to connect with players and his experience in winning championships make him a valuable asset to the coaching staff. Hiring Cassell from within could be the best decision for the team moving forward.